What is a Vector Image? A Detailed Guide

While ordering a huge graphic or larger format of print for site hoarding, you must be asked to provide a vector image or artwork. If you are also wondering what a vector image is, this comprehensive guide has everything you need to know. Before this, you should take note that vector image is the most common format that is used for visuals. Keep on reading for more.

What is a Vector Image?

If we talk about the prints that have larger formats, we often need to enlarge the smaller images. For this, you will need to provide a vector image or artwork to the graphic designer. In addition to this, you must be thinking what is vector format for logo. This is the same thing. Simply put, vector images are used for hoardings where large printing formats, logos, and computer-cut vinyl. These are typically offered when you need prints to stick on a window or a van.

Are Vector Images and Raster Artwork the Same?

Many people confuse between vector images and bitmap or raster artwork. However, they are different from each other. Below are the details:

• Vector Images

These are the images made up of curves and lines. Through this, you can scale and re-scale photos as much as you want. The best thing is that the quality is not hampered in the vector artwork. Since mathematical equations are used to create these curves and lines, you can easily recalibrate to any shape or size.

A vector file is typically created in programmes like Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer, etc. When you use them, you will often find a file extension in the end. When it comes to what is a vector file format, these include .ai for Adobe Illustrator, .pdf for Portable Document Format, etc.

• Bitmap or Raster Artwork

In this format, pixels or tiny squares are used to create an image for standard hoarding solutions. You will need a huge amount of pixels to create a detailed image. The quality of the image will be lost if you enlarge these squares or pixels.

A bitmap artwork, on the other hand, is considered an ideal option for prints. However, the source file must be large enough for enlargement. However, it is not recommended to choose raster images for computer-cut vinyl. Speaking about the common extensions of raster files, these include .gif (Graphics Interchange Format), .jpg (Joint Photographic Export Group), .png (Portable Network Graphic), etc.

Note: Bitmap images will pixelate when you enlarge them and the quality will be affected. Vector images, on the other hand, will remain high-quality, sharp, and clear even if you increase the size.

What are the Benefits of Vector Images?

Vectors images are the best option for professional purposes such as hoarding panels. Whether you need a company logo or simply big hoarding, no other format is better than a vector. It comes with several benefits and some of them are listed below:

• High-quality and sharp images
• Infinite resolution
• Light size of the files
• Easy to scale
• Strong features for customisation or adding colours, texts, etc.

How Do You Know If Your Artwork is Vector?

Checking the same is very easy. Some of those methods to check your artwork and its format have been listed here:

• When you want to what is a vector file format, you must check the file name first.
• If the name of the file ends in .syg, .pdf, .ai, etc., it means the file is a vector.
• You can also zoom the image by 200% or more to see if the image remains clear or if its edges become slanted.
• A vector image also consists of a defining point or node around the graphics.

How to do You Create a Vector Image in Canva?

Although you can use various tools to create a vector image, below, we have listed step-by-step guide to create one on a popular site Canva:

Step 1: Open Canva in your browser and signup with your Gmail account.

Step 2: On the left side, you will see the option ‘Apps’, click on it.

Step 3: Now, search for the ‘Illustoke’.

Step 4: Customise the vector size before moving to the next step.

Step 5: Use Canva tools to edit the image or project.

Step 6: Once you are done with the editing, name the vector image file.

Step 7: Now, press the ‘Share’ button given on the top of your right side.

Step 8: You will see an option ‘Download’, click on it. Further, it will ask you to select the format for your vector file.

Step 9: Choose PDF or PNG to retain the HD quality for your vector image.

Step 10: Lastly, download and save your vector image to your PC.

What Do You Do If You Do Not Have Vector Files?

If you are looking for a vector file for your big hoarding panels, you can get in touch with Hoarding Print Company. With a professional team of designers, they will help you with exceptional and professional-looking artwork such as logos. The expert team will also explain what is a vector image, its benefits, uses, and more.